Applications start April 1 for LaunchKC’s $500,000 startup competition

LaunchKC has relaunched its $500,000 contest for startups with applications starting April 1 for a shot at the 10 winning spots.

This will be the second competition for LaunchKC. It will again hold its final round of judging during Techweek in Kansas City, set for mid-September.

“We are searching for the best and brightest startups or early-stage technology businesses to apply and compete for $500,000 in grants,” Drew Solomon, chairman of LaunchKC, said in an announcement. “We want to help these entrepreneurs make their business dreams come true in Kansas City.”

Each of the 10 winners will receive $50,000, free office space at KC Innovation for one year, mentoring and help from legal, financial, marketing and other professionals.

Last year’s winners included six Kansas City area companies, including Blooom and VideoFizz, and four winners from outside the area, including Detroit-based Nodal Security and Pycno from Santiago, Chile.

Kansas City-based PopBookings was the 10th winner announced and had been chosen through a People’s Choice vote during Techweek. LaunchKC said 500 applicants competed.

Applications will be accepted through July 6. The 20 finalists will be announced Aug. 19, and the finals will be Sept. 15-16 during Techweek.

LaunchKC’s competition is backed by sponsors and partners the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City and Techweek based in Chicago.

Other local sponsors are UMB Bank, the William T. Kemper Foundation, Missouri Technology Corporation, the Downtown Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 10:17 AM with the headline "Applications start April 1 for LaunchKC’s $500,000 startup competition."